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Home My WebLink About2025-05-19 Government Operations Committee Minutes Gov Ops «is'.;;a�".l'L`7},^ ? � - CITY oF BANGOR Government Operations Committee Monday, May 19,2025 Minutes Committee Members Present:Tremble (Chair), Mall Deane, Beck Non-Committee Members Present: Pelletier, Fish, Leonard, Fournier Staff Present: C. O'Donnell,J. Gunderman, E. Pelletier Meeting was opened at: 5:40 PM 1. Referral: Ordinance Amendment: Amending Chapter 23, Boards, Committees and Commissions, Article VI, by Clarifying Language and Adding Section to Address Cause for Removal Assistant City Manager(ACM) O'Donnell reviewed this item noting that the Advisory Committee on Racial Equity, Inclusion and Human Rights (ACREIHR) had reviewed this matter extensively and with support from staff, including legal review.The purpose is to clean up the ordinance specific to this committee and create a mechanism to remove individuals for lack of attendance.The changes reflect a process that provides due process rights to the committee members while establishing a standard of attendance to ensure that quorum can be met. It was explained that there are members on the committee who wish to put in the work, but that the lack of quorum has hindered their ability to take votes and make recommendations to Council and that there is currently no mechanism to remove members for lack of attendance. There was discussion in response to a question around the purpose and applicability,to which the ACM replied that this ordinance amendment would only apply to this committee for now, but would create a starting point and opportunity to expand to other boards, committees, and commissions in the future. It was pointed out that this committee has struggled in particular with lack of participation from some members who may have quit but without providing formal notice, so this would allow the Personnel Committee to remove members for cause (lack of attendance). Councilor Deane made a motion to recommend to full Council,seconded by Councilor eeck—all in favor. 2. Resolve: Accepting and Appropriating up to $679,000 for Live Fire Service Training Facilities Grant Program from Maine Fire Protection Services Commission Deputy Chief Eric Pelletier reviewed this item and stated that the current facility is over 38 years old and this funding would allow them to continue to provide this beneficial training not only for our department but others as well. Councilor Leonard spoke about having live fires and the benefit of having a facility to offer that kind of training. Councilor Beck made a motion to recommend to full Council, seconded by Councilor Deane —all in favor. «is'.;;a�".l'L`7},^ ? � - CITY oF BANGOR 3. Resolve:Authorizing the City Manager to Accept and Appropriate $951,845 from the State of Maine Department of Health and Human Services to implement the Maine Prevention Network in the Penquis Public Health District Director Gunderman gave an overview of this item and shared that this funding would allow them to continue to offer this program that provides support related to substance use,tobacco, and healthy eating. In response to a question, she stated that we subcontract with the Mayo clinic in Dover- Foxcroft for Piscataquis region. Councilor Deane made a motion to recommend to full Council,seconded by Councilor eeck—all in favor. 4. Order: Authorize the City Manager to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with Wabanaki Public Health and Wellness to collaborate on a "One Stop Shop"to increase access to health-related services for people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder Director Gunderman gave an overview of this item. She highlighted particular needs in the community, emphasized community partners and shared background on the One Stop Shop program. This is contingent on securing funding but would be based out of the Hancock location and would include syringe service provider services, STI testing with machine results in an hour, vaccine, and more.Telehealth room, PCHC to offer space for street outreach, basic needs, space for outreach, etc.This program requires partnership with Wabanaki Public Health and is contingent on funding. In response to a question, Director Gunderman stated that ongoing operating costs are anticipated to be approximately$100,000 a year. Councilor Deane made a motion to recommend to full Council,seconded by Councilor eeck—all in favor. 5. Order: Authorizing the City Manager to Apply for a $70,000 Grant from Gilead to support the pilot of a One Stop Shop for increasing access to health-related services for people experiencing homelessness and substance use disorder Director Gunderman shared that this is related to the previous item and shared an overview.This funding would help cover startup costs for the One Stop Shop program and allow Public Health to apply for 70k to Gilead, a drug manufacturer. Director Gunderman shared that funding is getting competitive with cuts happening at state and federal level and so this may be a better avenue. In response to a question, Director Gunderman shared that the outbreak we're facing is not unique nationally but we are a part of a small group of municipalities that have faced a similar situation. Councilor Deane made a motion to recommend to full Council,seconded by Councilor Beck—all in favor. 6. Other business—LD 1970, BGR delegation is sponsoring—Director Gunderman shared that the purpose of this legislative bill is to increase HIV screening and testing that would make it a part of general consent rather than requiring separate consent. She explained some barriers and concerns «is'.;;a�".l'L`7},^ ? � - CITY oF BANGOR around stigma related to it being separate. No objection was raised at the table for the City to submit testimony in favor of the item. No other business. Meeting adjourned at 5:58pm. Upcominp Items(subject to change) (Items may go to Government Operations Committee or be moved to another committee, depending on timing.) • Community Connector Update • Police Dept. Update • Built for Zero Update